Saikat Mandal

Thu 2 February 2023 13:57, UK

Michale Beale has launched a passionate defence of Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos who was criticized heavily by BBC pundit Neil McCann during the Gers’ 3-0 win against Hearts on Wednesday at Tynecastle (1 February).

McCann suggested that Morelos, who scored a brace, didn’t need to antagonize the fans, and that it was unnecessary to celebrate his goal in his trademark slide style in front of the home fans, rather than with teammates.

While commentating on the game for BBC Sportsound, as relayed by Football Scotland, the ex-Rangers player branded Morelos as an “idiot”. Beale doesn’t agree with him, and rather asked “What do you want us to do, not celebrate?”

“I wouldn’t agree with that. I think the Hearts supporters were trying to incite Alfredo for the whole 90-plus minutes. I think if we are going to say players can’t celebrate goals now we might as well stop the game,” said Beale, as quoted by Football Scotland.

“I think there was a long stoppage for that goal and I think he was, what? 20-plus yards from them? I think a lot is made of them sorts of things in Scotland that is not made elsewhere [sic].

“I have worked down south and I’ve never known this to be a big thing. When we score our second goal and our first goal we are two yards from our fans. What do you want us to do, not celebrate?

“Then people say he is moody and he wants away because he doesn’t celebrate. I think Neil is on the radio and is passionate, he played for both clubs and is trying to be impartial. He has said what he has said but I think he will regret that more than Alfredo [will for] celebrating.”

Expected

McCann was absolutely wrong here. Morelos didn’t do any wrong, and moreover, if football is not played with passion, then the game doesn’t exist at all.

In the heat of the moment, players celebrate in whatever way they can, and that’s the raw beauty of the game.

Beale definitely will not mind that. He would be rather very happy to find that Morelos is gradually returning to his best form.

The Colombian striker struggled badly under Giovanni van Bronckhorst. He dropped behind Antonio Colak in the pecking order, while comments were made on his fitness as well.

However, he has now scored four goals in the last three league games and has looked sharp.

Both Colak and Kemar Roofe is now injured, and Beale has pinned his hopes on Morelos. He has stepped up to the plate and has made important contributions.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Morelos who is yet to sign a new contract at Ibrox.

There were fears that he could leave Rangers in January. But he has stayed put and let’s hope Beale can persuade him to sign a new deal at the club.

In other Rangers news, here’s why Ianis Hagi missed the win over Hearts.